UNITED ARAB EMIRATES PEO & EOR
Hire in the UAE without a local entity today
As a Global PEO & EOR service provider, we pride ourselves on our global reach, in-country knowledge, and ability to swiftly and efficiently mobilize workers around the world. Our robust PEO/EOR covers everything from global HR, payroll, compliance, in-country support, immigration, visas, and more.
Get started and hire in United Arab Emirates today with Gibson Watts Global.
DID YOU KNOW
- The Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the tallest building in the world, standing at 828 meters.
- The UAE is home to the world’s first seven-star hotel, the Burj Al Arab in Dubai.
- Abu Dhabi’s Louvre Museum is the largest art museum in the Arabian Peninsula.
Forget software,
this is expansion
with a human touch
United Arab Emirates EOR Services
Gateway to the Middle East
The UAE – a dynamic nation at the heart of the Middle East—is increasingly attractive to international businesses. With a stable economy, world-class infrastructure, and a strategic location linking Asia, Europe, and Africa, it has become a compelling destination for trade and investment.
Government initiatives such as free zones, investment incentives, and streamlined business registration reduce bureaucracy and encourage entrepreneurship. Combined with the UAE’s multilingual and highly skilled workforce, leadership in finance, technology, and renewable energy, and commitment to economic diversification, the country offers a strong platform for companies seeking growth in the Middle East and beyond.
Working in United Arab Emirates
Financial Year Dates
The UAE’s financial year aligns with the calendar year, running from January 1st to December 31st.
Minimum Wage
The UAE does not have a statutory minimum wage. Compensation is typically determined by role, sector, and market standards.
Standard working hours
The standard workweek is 48 hours (8 hours per day, six days a week). During Ramadan, working hours are reduced to 36 hours per week for Muslim employees.
Overtime
Overtime is typically paid at 125% of the regular hourly rate, with additional compensation required for night work, Fridays, and public holidays under UAE labor law.
Holiday Allowance
Employees in the UAE are entitled to a minimum of 30 calendar days of paid annual leave after one year of continuous service. Public holidays are additional to this leave.
Sick Leave
Employees are entitled to up to 90 days of sick leave per year, with full pay for the first 15 days, half pay for the next 30 days, and no pay thereafter, according to UAE labor law.
Maternity & Paternity Leave
- Maternity Leave: Female employees are entitled to 60 days of maternity leave, with full pay for the first 45 days and half pay for the remaining 15 days.
- Paternity Leave: Male employees are entitled to 3 days of paid paternity leave.
Public Holidays
The UAE observes several public holidays throughout the year, including:
- New Year’s Day
- Eid Al Fitr
- Eid Al Adha
- Islamic New Year
- Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday
- UAE National Day
Social Contributions
Employers in the UAE do not contribute to a mandatory social security system for most employees, except for UAE and GCC nationals, who have contributions to the General Pension and Social Security Authority. Foreign employees are responsible for their own health insurance, typically provided by employers.
Income Tax
The UAE does not levy personal income tax for employees. Corporate income tax is applicable to businesses exceeding AED 375,000 in taxable income at a rate of 9% (effective 2023).
Health Care
The UAE provides high-quality public and private healthcare services. Employers are required to provide health insurance for all employees, ensuring access to comprehensive care.
Visas
- Work Visa: Required for foreign nationals seeking employment, sponsored by a UAE employer, typically valid for up to 3 years depending on the emirate.
- Business Visa: Enables entrepreneurs and investors to establish or manage a business in the UAE, often through free zones.
- Temporary Residence Visa: Permits foreigners to reside in the UAE, usually linked to employment or property ownership.
- Family Reunification Visa: Allows employees to bring eligible family members to the UAE. Sponsors must meet minimum income requirements, which vary by emirate.
13th salary?
The UAE does not have a statutory requirement for a 13th salary. However, in some sectors, employers provide bonuses or additional payments, particularly around Eid or year-end.
Cultural Information
The UAE is known for its blend of modernity and tradition. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are global hubs for trade, finance, and tourism, while traditional Emirati culture is preserved in art, music, and architecture. The country celebrates Islamic heritage, with festivals such as Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha. Emirati cuisine features dishes like machbous, luqaimat, and balaleet. The UAE is also renowned for its skyscrapers, luxury lifestyle, and ambitious sustainability initiatives.
Austria is a country with a rich cultural heritage, known for its classical music, opera, and ballet traditions. The country is also famous for its coffeehouse culture, with establishments like Café Central in Vienna being historic meeting places for intellectuals and artists. Austrian cuisine features dishes such as Wiener Schnitzel, Sachertorte, and Apfelstrudel. The Austrian people are known for their warmth, hospitality, and pride in their history. The country is also renowned for its arts, including music, dance, and literature, with a strong tradition of folk and classical music.